July 3 - More Birthday Partying

This morning, my brother John showed everyone their ultrasound video of Baby Claire. She sure was cute swimming around in there. The girls are so excited to meet their new cousin in a few months!

All the grandkids wearing the Fourth of July shirts my mom bought for them.

We celebrated Baby Ewan's first birthday this afternoon. He enjoys clapping for himself.

We gave Ewan a personalized book about a pirate for his birthday gift. I love to give these books for first birthdays.

The kids and dads enjoyed playing with all of Ewan's new goodies.

On this day in 2005, I took my favorite photo ever of newborn Baby Lila. Isn't she the sweetest thing in the world?

On this day in 2010, Miriam took two day old Baby Ewan to The Fiddler 5K to watch his daddy run. I wish I looked this good 2 days after I give birth.

Chris was (once again) the overall first place winner. He took Baby Ewan to the podium for his medals and press interviews.

July 2 - Get moving!

We got up crazy early this morning to see my sister Miriam run The Fiddler 5K. Ok, in all honesty, we only got up sort of early and just got there for the awards. Mir did great though! Second in her age group! Ewan was so proud of his mommy.

I bumped in to some old friends from high school at the race. Here are Lucy and me with my friends Candy and Leah. It was such a treat to get to see these ladies!

Back at my mom's house, Lucy decided she'd like to try out the doorway jumper for the first time. Ewan wasn't sure he was quite ready to pass it down.

Later this afternoon, we went swimming at our friends the Darrahs' pool where Ewan and Lucy had some quality cousin time.

On this day in 2009, two-year-old Nellie dressed herself in 2 wrong-side-out dresses and a swimsuit.

On this day in 2010, Goggy read a story to Nellie and 2-day-old Baby Ewan.

July 1 - Travel Day

Lucy's mobility is increasing daily. This afternoon I put her on the playmat in the foreground of this shot and came back a minute later to find she had traveled all the way to the next room! Time to pack up the choking hazards. Right. Like that will happen.

After rush hour, we packed up for our trip to Tennessee for the annual Smithville Fiddler's Jamboree. Here's Lucy all pajama-ed up and ready for the ride.

On this day in 2006, we celebrated Lila's 1st birthday at my mom's house in Tennessee. This photo was taken seconds before Lila grabbed the candle.

On this day in 2007, we celebrated Lila's 2nd birthday with Rick's family. Here Lila's cousins are helping her open a gift.

On this day in 2009, Nellie gave her baby a bath in the toilet.

On this day in 2010, the girls got to meet their brand new cousin Ewan.

June 30 - Perspective

I put up the baby swing today, and Lucy loved it! I played around with different perspectives while she giggled and enjoyed swinging.



This day in 2010 was a super special day. My nephew Ewan was born! I had the privilege of being at his birth. Here's a shot of Miriam laboring shortly before he was born.

Proud Aunt Molly!

June 29 - The Counter

Lila and Nellie went back to Tennessee with my mom after the swim meet last night so that hopefully, I can get some studying done for the IBCLC exam next month. Rick and Lucy and I went to The Counter for dinner tonight. We've heard so many good things about this west coast burger joint that we thought we'd try it out while our non-burger eaters were out of town. The menu choices were intimidating, but I put together a delicious turkey burger with cranberries, brie, onion strings, and garlic aioli. Delish! Here are Rick and Lucy at our table.

On this day in 2005, my dad checked out baby Lila's tiny feet.

Miriam also checked out her tiny, new niece.

On this day in 2008, we celebrated Lila's 3rd birthday with the Parker family. Here's a shot of Lila and Jordan reading a book they got for her. It reminds of this photo from our Parker family party from this year.

June 28 - The Last Swim Meet

I'd like to say the end of swim season is bittersweet, but I can't. We're all done and ready for some unstructured summer fun. Tonight was Lila's last meet, and Miriam and Ewan came to watch her swim. Here we are waiting for the meet to start. I'm sporting a new ring sling made out of a super lightweight open-weave linen. Courtesy of my mom, of course.

The swimmer with Aunt Mimi, Ewan, Goggy and a ticked off Nellie.

I always try to get a shot of all the grandkids together. It never goes well.

Goggy and Lucy.

Touching the wall for the last time after swimming a great race.

This day in history is a busy day in my photo archives. I have lots of post-birthday photos. On this day in 2005, Rick's dad met Lila for the first time.

On this day in 2007, Lila had her first lollipop, but didn't know what it was or how to eat it.

On this day in 2008, Lila sported all of her new Fancy Nancy dress up clothes.

On this day in 2009, Nellie sported Lila's new birthday galoshes.

June 27 - Sweet Girl Turns 6!

Six years ago today, I became a mom. It's so hard for me to remember life before Lila. She changed our lives and who we are in so many ways, and I can't believe what a big girl she is. Six! Where do the years go? I thought I'd chronicle this entry from her first birthday through today rather than the way I usually post with the current day first.

The day Lila was born: June 27, 2005. Her birth story here if you like to read that sort of thing.


Me (in a purple shirt) and my sweet girl.

Lila's first birthday in 2006.

Lila's second birthday 2007. She was running a fever this day and feeling very poorly. The pink glitter high heels she got for her birthday perked her up a little.

She also got some art supplies but felt so badly that she colored lying down.

Lila's 3rd birthday 2008. Her first pool party.

2009 - Her 4th birthday

Lila and me (purple shirt again)

Blowing out candles at her family party for her 5th birthday in 2010.

Lila and me (purple shirt).

2011! Lila started the day with cinnamon rolls, her favorite breakfast.

My mom made this super cool banner on her new embroidery machine. She also made chair covers, table cloths, monogrammed napkins, and so much more. This party would not have been possible without her help.

Lila's party theme was a tea party and she invited her closest friends and their favorite dolls. Here is the doll's table where they enjoyed their tea.

We decorated hats for the girls and their dolls for a craft.

Lila blowing out her candle.

Drinking chamomile tea.

Group hug with her friends.

Lila and Nellie and their matching doll dresses.

Lila, Lucy, and me (purple shirt AGAIN!). This was the same shirt I wore last year on her birthday. I didn't realize this purple shirt thing until I started putting this entry together. Now, I'll have to make sure I wear one for future birthdays.

My mom with her big grandgirls.

Rick and me with our sweet, sweet Lila Marie. We're so lucky that she's ours.